14

Bentley IDA Drug Store
2010
Bentley, Alberta

Credits:
Bentley Museum Society

15

Drawing of Atlas Lumber
1940
Bentley, Alberta

Credits:
Norva Landry
Bentley Museum Society

16

Atllas Lumber with a view of the yard
Mid 1900's
Bentley, Alberta

Credits:
Bentley Museum Society

17

View of Atlas Lumber and the Atlas Lumber House
Mid 1900's
Bentley, Alberta

Credits:
Bentley Museum Society

18

Select Foods
2005
Bentley, Alberta

Credits:
Bentley Museum Society

19

Select Foods - 2005
2005
Bentley, Alberta

Credits:
Bentley Museum Society

20

Shell Service Station
2005
Bentley, Alberta

Credits:
Bentley Museum Society

21

Shell Gas Station & Crossfire Drilling - 2005
2005
Bentley, Alberta

Credits:
Bentley Museum Society

22

Main street in Bentley Alberta - 1931
1931
Bentley, Alberta

Credits:
Bentley Museum Society
Glenbow Archives, Calgary, Alberta

23

Moving west across the street we come to the site of "Putland & Thorp Store, (5002 - 50 Ave.). This was the location of McPherson's first store. The post office was in this store with Mr. O. E. Putman as Post-master. In 1903 McPherson sold the store to A.I. Cook, Mr. Cook sold this store a year later to Archie Putland and Frank Thorp. Our pictures of this store show a hitching rail and board sidewalk. The Putland and Thorp Store burned down in 1919.The store was replaced by the present building known then as "Bentley Mercantile. It first operated as a Co-operative under the management of Mr. Bolton. He was followed by Mr. Litt. Chas Mac Dougall was the last Co-op manager before the business was sold to Wm. A. Holmes in 1933. The Bentley Co-operative had a big platform across the front and a hitching rail in the Co-op's vacant lot to the west. To the north of the store was a skating rink open to all the elements of nature. Just a bit to the west was the curling ice which was close to the hitching rail. Right beside the curling rink was a high, solid board fence with a big door in the middle. When the door was open a trail led to the ball diamond with a small grandstand. July the first, Dominion Day was usually celebrated in this area. Races, ballgames and food. A fun day for all. Moe Ollerson and Gwen Smith purchased the business from Lloyd and Les Holmes in June 1986. Renovations started immediately which included new paneling, installing new shelves and freezers and a walk - in cooler. Their store soon included a new bakery. Moe and Gwen sold the store a few years later to Denis and Barbara Huehn. The Huehn's also operated the Bentley Meat Market on the south side of the street. The Mercantile remained vacant for a time and was purchased by Ed Paull who opened up the "Monkey Top Bar & Saloon". This very unique and successful restaurant/bar was operated by owner, Ed Paull and managed by Darlene Goehring. Darlene did a great job creating many of the special events that were held at the Monkey Top, - The Monkey Top Idol, Lobster Fest, The Fun Fish Derby and the annual Sled/Quad Rally are just a few. In August of 2006 The Monkey Top Saloon was purchased by Karen Oberg and Annie Thyr. Some of the events that were previously held are still being held today.
The Monkey Top is also very proud and honored to host several events each year in honor of Bentley's own, Dick Damron. Dick spends his summers in his home near Bentley and graces The Monkey Top with his presence regularly.
Karen and Annie both play an active role in managing The Monkey Top and are aware that The Monkey Tops ownership truly belongs to the people of Bentley who take great pride in having a great landmark like The Monkey Top to attract people to their town.
Canada Post owns the next building. It was built in the 1950's.This building is a sorting depot only.
Garries Hardware (5014 - 50 Ave.) is the next building west of the Post Office. The business was founded by George Garries after the turn of the century. Mr. Garries started a blacksmith and machinist shop, later Mr. Garries became agent for International Harvester Machinery. His son Paul assisted him in the repair shop. This building burnt down in 1921 and was replaced with a new larger building. They expanded the hardware and also took over the agency for Imperial Oil. After George passed away Paul and Russell took over the business and were asisted by Ralph. As time passed Rusell's sons, Gordon and Don took over.The building was renovated extensively and an addition was added. A coin laundry was added at the rear and more store and office space added to the west side. Two apartment were added upstairs. Don retired and Gordon's son Richard became a member of the company. The I.H.C. and Imperial Oil Agency were discontinued years ago and the store is mainly hardware. The store, Bentley General Store and Hardware is presently owned and operated by Rick's daughter Pam Hanson and her husband, Dale. Presently Savannah Saloon & Spa and Remax Real Estate occupy the west side of the building.An interesting note this property has been in the "Garries Family" for over a hundred years. A Great Milestone!
Atlas Lumber Company was next to Garries Hardware. Revelstroke Companies Limited took over and made many changes and improvements to the yard. The agent's house which sat next to Garries Hardware was moved up town and a new and modern store and lumber shed was built there. The buildings were finally sold and removed and Ken Argue and Ted Johnson purchased the property and built "Sunset Plaza" the new home of "Bentley IDA Drug Store". The credit union leased the west side of this new building for a short time. The building was sold to Steve, Marg and Ched Nickaporic and then to the present owners Bob and Joan Swartz, both pharmacists --- The west side (previous location of the Credit Union) was leased and the Quasts operated a dollar store for a short time and then Big Daddy ran an ice cream store for one summer. The west building was purchased by the present owners who are using the building as part of their business. This drug store, Bentley IDA is under renovation at the present time.
Dale and Joanne Yost built a big modern grocery store on the next property 5032 - 50 Ave), "Select AG Foods". The Yosts sold the store and property to Henry & Judy Kim who presently operate the grocery business.
Gas & Oil Products Ltd. had a bulk oil station next. Gulf Oil took over in 1952 and Angus McKenzie managed the service station. Mr. Sparrow built a new service station, in 1996, " Turbo", and in turn sold it to Brian and Debbie Gerritts in 1998. Shell bought out Turbo in 2003. The Gerritts sold in 2005. Steve and Rosa Park purchased the property and operate the service station presently. They have living quarters upstairs.
Next door is where Eugene Blish operated an automotive repair garage which was replaced by a modern building, housing oil field servicing equipment, and operated by Frank Fraser and Sons. The building and property was purchased by Ronnie Gyori who operates Cross Fire Directional Drilling. He rents the living quarters upstairs.
West of Directional Drilling is the entrance to the town's public campground, Morrisroe Camp Ground in the Morrisroe Recreational Area. The town hires a camp attendant who resides at the site and take care of the camp ground and collects the fees.